Italian Things to Do in Des Moines
Des Moines has quietly built one of the Midwest's most impressive Italian food scenes, from family-run red-sauce joints that have fed generations to modern trattorias serving house-made pasta. Whether you're craving authentic Neapolitan pizza in the East Village, classic Italian-American comfort food in the suburbs, or an intimate wine-paired tasting menu, the Greater Des Moines metro delivers Italian experiences that rival much larger cities.
Top Italian Experiences in Des Moines
Lucca
This East Village gem serves refined Italian cuisine in an intimate setting with exposed brick and candlelit tables. The menu changes seasonally, but the house-made pasta is always exceptional—try the tagliatelle with wild boar ragu or whatever fresh pasta special the chef is running. The wine list focuses on small Italian producers you won't find elsewhere in Des Moines.
The most authentic Northern Italian cooking in Des Moines, with pasta made fresh daily and a sommelier who actually knows Italian wine regions.
Make reservations at least a week ahead for weekend dinners, and ask to sit at the chef's counter if you want to watch the pasta-making magic happen.
Centro
Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines near the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Centro has been the go-to for upscale Italian since 2003. Their wood-fired pizzas have a perfect char, and the osso buco is fall-off-the-bone tender. The space is sophisticated without being stuffy, making it ideal for business dinners or special occasions.
Consistently excellent Italian-American cuisine in a prime downtown location, perfect before catching a show at the Civic Center.
The lunch menu offers many of the same dishes at significantly lower prices, and the patio is one of downtown's best people-watching spots in spring.
Malo
While technically Italian-inspired rather than strictly Italian, Malo in the East Village brings a modern, creative approach to Mediterranean cuisine with strong Italian influences. The small plates format encourages sharing, and the burrata with seasonal accompaniments is always a winner. The cocktail program is equally impressive, with Italian amaros and vermouths featured prominently.
Perfect for groups who want to sample multiple flavors, with a vibrant atmosphere that feels more Brooklyn than Iowa.
Come for happy hour (4-6pm weekdays) when select small plates are half-price—the arancini and meatballs are steal at those prices.
Sbrocco
This West Des Moines neighborhood spot serves straightforward Italian-American classics in a casual, family-friendly environment. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the chicken parmesan is exactly what you're craving when you want comfort food. They also offer a solid selection of Italian wines by the glass.
Reliable, unpretentious Italian food in the suburbs with portions big enough to take home leftovers.
Tuesday nights feature half-price bottles of wine, making it an excellent value for a casual dinner out.
Traditional Italian Cooking Classes
Several Des Moines cooking schools and culinary shops offer Italian-focused classes throughout the year, teaching everything from fresh pasta-making to regional Italian cooking techniques. These hands-on experiences typically run 2-3 hours and include dinner with wine. Check Kitchen Collage in Clive or watch for special Italian nights at local culinary venues.
Learn authentic techniques you can recreate at home while meeting other Italian food enthusiasts in Des Moines.
Classes fill up quickly, especially pasta-making sessions, so book at least a month in advance for spring dates.
Neighborhood Red-Sauce Italian Restaurants
Des Moines has several long-standing family-run Italian restaurants in neighborhoods like Beaverdale and along Ingersoll that serve classic Italian-American fare—think spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken marsala. These spots may not be trendy, but they've been feeding Des Moines families for decades with consistent, hearty portions at fair prices.
When you want nostalgic Italian-American comfort food without the downtown prices or pretension.
Many of these neighborhood spots offer early-bird specials before 6pm that include salad, entree, and sometimes dessert for under $20.
Italian Wine Tastings and Events
Several Des Moines wine shops and restaurants host Italian wine dinners and tastings, especially in spring and fall. These events pair regional Italian wines with multi-course meals, often featuring guest speakers or winemakers. Ingersoll Wine & Spirits and various East Village restaurants regularly schedule these experiences.
Explore Italian wine regions beyond Chianti and Pinot Grigio with expert guidance and perfectly paired food.
Sign up for email lists from your favorite Italian restaurants and wine shops—these events often sell out within days of announcement.
Italian Bakeries and Specialty Markets
While Des Moines doesn't have a traditional Italian neighborhood, several bakeries and specialty food shops carry authentic Italian imports—from San Marzano tomatoes to proper Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh-baked focaccia. These spots are perfect for assembling your own Italian feast at home or picking up authentic ingredients.
Bring a taste of Italy home with authentic ingredients and fresh-baked goods you can't find at regular grocery stores.
Visit on Saturday mornings when many bakeries have their fullest selection of fresh breads and pastries just out of the oven.
Local Tips for Italian Dining in Des Moines
Parking in the East Village can be challenging on weekend evenings—your best bet is the Court Avenue ramp (entrance on 3rd Street) which is just a short walk to most Italian restaurants. Downtown spots near Centro have metered street parking that's free after 6pm and all day Sunday.
Des Moines Italian restaurants get slammed on Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and during Drake Relays weekend in late April. If you're planning to dine during these times, make reservations at least 2-3 weeks ahead, or consider going for lunch instead when it's much easier to get a table.
Many upscale Italian restaurants in Des Moines offer prix fixe menus on slower nights (typically Sunday-Tuesday) that provide significantly better value than ordering à la carte. Ask your server if there's a special menu when you're seated.
Spring is prime time for fresh pasta specials featuring seasonal ingredients like ramps, asparagus, and peas. The best Italian chefs in Des Moines change their menus frequently in March and April, so don't assume the online menu reflects what's actually available.
If you're serious about Italian wine, build a relationship with the sommeliers at Des Moines' better Italian restaurants. They often have access to limited-production bottles that aren't on the regular wine list and can guide you to incredible values from lesser-known Italian regions.
Several Des Moines Italian restaurants participate in Des Moines Restaurant Week (typically in July), offering multi-course Italian menus at fixed prices. It's an excellent opportunity to try higher-end spots at more accessible price points, though the special menus are usually more limited than the regular offerings.